News in Brief: A summary of developments across Los Angeles County | Community News File / Hollywood

Salvation Army Opens Apartments for Seniors

The Salvation Army opened a $12.8-million, 98-unit apartment building for low-income senior citizens on Carlos Street in Hollywood.

The Hollywood Silvercrest was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.

Each one-bed unit is equipped with a private balcony or patio. Residents also have access to a garden, plaza, laundry facilities and a large multipurpose recreational room, said Helen Ridgewell, Assistant Director of Development.

Monthly rent equals 30% of a resident's income, she said.

"There's a huge need for housing among this sector," said Ridgewell.

The demand for affordable senior citizen housing in Los Angeles County is so great that applicants often must wait up to three years for a space to become available, she said.

When the residence was inaugurated Friday, 99% of the units were already rented, Ridgewell said.

Construction of the apartment building completes the Salvation Army's $17-million, 1.7-acre Hollywood Redevelopment Project. The complex includes a 20-bed shelter for homeless teenagers and the Hawaii Theater, a 1,150-seat hall built in 1939 that was converted into a community center.